A mark of a country’s health services is how it treats expectant women.

Labour in Government has advanced the rights and protections of pregnant women in Ireland with the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act and the development of the new National Maternity Strategy.

Our plan for the next five years:

Hold a referendum to remove Article 40.3.3 (the 8th Amendment) from the Constitution

If the referendum is successful, pass comprehensive legislation for terminations in the event of fatal foetal abnormalities, real and substantial risk to the health of the woman, and where rape, incest or serious sexual assault has created a risk to the physical or mental health of the woman

Continue to implement the recommendations of the National Maternity Strategy, especially around staff/patient ratios and reviewing appropriate birthing environments

Establish a Human Fertilisation and Embryology Board to regulate the sector

Bring in a new system of State support for couples accessing assisted reproductive technology